Christian Alliance International School and DSC International School are both in Hong Kong, about 10 km apart. Both schools offer Canadian programmes, and Christian Alliance International School also offers IB, Advanced Placement (AP) and Christian. Published annual fees are HK$136,300 - 228,300 at Christian Alliance International School and HK$147,100 - 168,100 at DSC International School, which puts Christian Alliance International School roughly 16% higher. Christian Alliance International School takes pupils from 5 to 17, and DSC International School from 4 to 18. Christian Alliance International School is the larger school, with around 1,700 pupils to DSC International School's 50.
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C
Christian Alliance International School
Hong Kong
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DSC International School
Hong Kong
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| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
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Fees / year
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Fees / year HK$136,300 - 228,300 | Fees / year HK$147,100 - 168,100 |
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Age range
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Age range 5 - 17 years | Age range 4 - 18 years |
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Type
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Type Co-educational | Type Co-educational |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), Canadian Curriculum, Christian Curriculum | Curriculum Canadian Curriculum |
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Pupils
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Pupils 1,700 | Pupils 50 |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size — | Typical class size — |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language English | Instruction language English |
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Opened
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Opened 1992 | Opened 1987 |
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Bus service
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Bus service Yes | Bus service Yes |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
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Location
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Location Christian Alliance International School (CAIS) is situated in Butterfly Valley, Lai Chi Kok on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong. The campus is accessible via major public transport links, including nearby MTR stations and bus routes. The surrounding area is urban and well connected, with facilities that serve the local community. | Location DSC International School is situated on Hong Kong Island, within a residential and commercial district that is well connected by the MTR and local bus routes. The area is known for its accessibility, nearby parks, and family-oriented amenities, providing a convenient setting for commuting families. |
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Stages
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Stages The school runs as a through-train programme from Preparatory (Kindergarten) through Grade 12. This structure includes Primary (Prep–G6) and Secondary (G7–G12), with students in Grades 11–12 able to pursue the Alberta Diploma, Advanced Placement (AP), or the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). | Stages The school provides a through-train education from Pre-Grade 1 to Grade 12, all located on one campus. It covers Early Years, Elementary, and Secondary levels for students aged 4 to 18 years. |
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School type
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School type CAIS is a co-educational international day school with an enrollment of over 1,700 students. It does not provide boarding facilities, with all students commuting daily. | School type DSC International School is an independent, co-educational day school offering the Ontario (Canadian) curriculum. There are no boarding facilities. |
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Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix — | Pupil nationality mix — |
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Additional learning support
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Additional learning support The school provides support for students with mild to moderate learning needs through its Student Support Services team. Provision includes learning support teachers and assistants who collaborate with classroom staff and families to help students access the curriculum. CAIS is not a specialist SEN school. | Additional learning support The school provides structured Learning Support through specialists, counsellors, and social workers, focusing on social-emotional and academic needs. Tailored assistance is available for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners and students requiring extra support. |
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Country affiliation
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Country affiliation CAIS is accredited by Alberta Education, Canada, to deliver the Alberta curriculum, and also offers AP and IBDP pathways. | Country affiliation The school is affiliated with Canada, being registered with the Ontario Ministry of Education and authorized to award the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). |
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Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation The school is a Christian institution, founded by the Kowloon Tong Church of the Chinese Christian and Missionary Alliance (KTAC). | Religious affiliation The school is non-religious and does not follow any faith-based teaching. |
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School day structure
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School day structure School days begin at 7:55 am (Primary) and 8:05 am (Secondary). Regular dismissal is mid-afternoon, with Monday featuring an earlier finish (Primary at 2:05 pm, Secondary at 2:35 pm). Published bell schedules also note dedicated chapel/assembly sessions and advisory times. | School day structure The daily schedule varies by level: Early Years and Elementary typically run from around 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., while Secondary classes operate from 8:10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The structure includes morning sessions, lunch, and afternoon classes. |
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Bus service details
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Bus service details The school operates a bus service, referenced in its bell schedules and dismissal notices. Buses depart after school dismissal, including an earlier departure on Mondays. While full provider details are not published, the service is part of daily logistics and coordinated with start and end times for Primary and Secondary. | Bus service details DSC offers a school bus service managed by an external transport provider, with routes covering Hong Kong Island and the New Territories. Parents register directly with the provider, and routes are adjusted yearly based on student demand. |
| Fees | Fees | |
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Fee details
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Fee details Application Fees A one-time application fee is required for all new students. The fee is HKD 1,500 for Preparatory–Grade 3 and HKD 1,800 for Grades 4–12. This is non-refundable and must be paid by cheque at the time of application. Tuition Fees (Per Year) Fees are billed in 10 monthly installments across the academic year. The annual tuition fees for 2025–26 are as follows: Preparatory: HKD 136,300 Grade 1–3: HKD 151,800 Grade 4: HKD 159,600 Grade 5: HKD 171,200 Grade 6: HKD 183,000 Grade 7–9: HKD 197,800 Grade 10–12 (Alberta/AP): HKD 216,300 Grade 11–12 (IB Diploma Programme): HKD 228,300 Capital Contributions Families must select one of the following options: Individual Capital Note (ICN): HKD 560,000 (first child), reduced amounts for additional siblings. Refundable or transferable with administrative fees. Annual Capital Levy (ACL): HKD 30,000 per year, non-refundable. This applies if the student is not covered by an ICN or Corporate Capital Note (CCN). Corporate Capital Note (CCN): An option for companies to secure places for nominated students. Sibling Discount Second child: 10% Third child: 15% Fourth child and beyond: 20% Additional Fees A reservation fee equal to one month’s tuition is payable upon acceptance and credited toward the first installment. Administrative fees apply for reissued invoices or mailed documents. Other costs such as uniforms, extracurricular activities, and learning materials are billed separately. Refund Policy Tuition is non-refundable for any month in which a student attends, even partially. The Annual Capital Levy is also non-refundable. ICN refunds are subject to school policies and administration fees. Payment Options Payments are accepted by cheque or bank transfer. Cash is not accepted. | Fee details Application Fees A non-refundable application fee of HK$1,000 is required for all new students at the time of submission. New students must also pay a refundable tuition deposit equivalent to one month’s tuition fee, which is credited to the final month’s payment upon withdrawal with adequate notice. A refundable textbook and resource deposit of HK$1,000 is charged for Grades 1–12. Tuition Fees (Per Year) Pre-Grade 1: HK$147,100 (billed at HK$14,710 per month) Grades 1–8: HK$155,700 (billed at HK$15,570 per month) Grades 9–10: HK$161,500 (billed at HK$16,150 per month) Grades 11–12: HK$168,100 (billed at HK$16,810 per month) Fees are billed monthly over 10 months (September to June). There are no debenture or capital levy fees charged. Additional Fees ESL Fee (Grades 1–8): HK$4,010 per month (if applicable) Uniforms and school bus services are charged separately through external suppliers. School materials and optional extracurricular activities may incur additional costs. Transportation Fees A school bus service is provided through an external transport company serving routes across Hong Kong Island and the New Territories. Families register directly with the provider, and fees depend on route and distance. Refund Policy The tuition deposit and resource deposit are refundable upon withdrawal, following the school’s written notice requirements. Other fees, such as application and monthly tuition, are non-refundable. Payment Options Payments can be made via PayPal, cheque, or bank transfer, as outlined on the school’s Admissions and Tuition Fees pages. |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
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Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements — | Boarding arrangements — |
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Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement The school requires full school uniform on campus and at CAIS-sponsored activities. Uniforms are designed and distributed by Uniform Station Limited, with online ordering available and in-person purchasing options. Students maintain modest and neat appearances, and all uniform items should be clearly labelled. | Uniform requirement All students wear a full school uniform on campus and at school events, with uniforms available at the on-campus shop. PG1A/B wear the PE uniform daily, while Grades 1–12 wear standard uniform items; footwear must be sport shoes and hoodies are not worn in PE. |
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Food options
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Food options Hot lunch services are provided by Sodexo, offering nutritionally balanced meals. Meals can be pre-ordered online for Grades 7–12 through the Sodexo meal enrollment program. | Food options The school provides a lunch service on campus via an external provider. |
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House system
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House system The school has a four-house system: Alyward, Simpson, Taylor and Yu. House activities include dodgeball, intramural sports, trivia nights and drama competitions to foster cross-grade connections and house-based competition. | House system — |
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Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership CAIS is a non-profit international school wholly owned by Kowloon Tong Church of the Chinese Christian and Missionary Alliance (KTAC). | Governance and ownership The school is an independent private school in Hong Kong offering the Ontario curriculum. It is registered in Hong Kong as primary and secondary school number 215791 and in Ontario, Canada as private school number 879037. The governance structure includes a School Board, a Senior Executive Management Committee, and a Head of School registered with the Hong Kong Education Bureau; the school is a member of CTF Education Group. |
| Academics | Academics | |
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Curriculum details
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Curriculum details Christian Alliance International School follows the Alberta (Canada) curriculum from Preparatory through Grade 12, which provides the framework for core subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, alongside specialist subjects such as Visual Arts, Music, Physical Education, and Design Technology. In the upper grades, students can pursue Advanced Placement (AP) courses and examinations in selected subjects, allowing them to gain additional university recognition. For Grades 11–12, CAIS also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) as an alternative pathway, with subjects across all six IB groups, including English A, Chinese A, Economics, Sciences, Mathematics, and Visual Arts. Chinese language learning is part of the curriculum from Preparatory onwards, with pathways into AP Chinese and IBDP Chinese in the senior years. The main language of instruction is English, with Chinese, French, and Spanish taught as additional world languages. | Curriculum details DSC International School follows the Ontario (Canada) curriculum from Pre-Grade 1 through Grade 12, leading to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), awarded by the Ontario Ministry of Education. The Early Years program (Pre-Grade 1) is inquiry-based, emphasizing foundational literacy, numeracy, and early STEAM learning. In the Elementary years (Grades 1–6), students study core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and the Arts, supported by instruction in Chinese (Putonghua) and French. The Secondary program (Grades 7–12) builds on the Ontario framework, offering a wide range of courses in English, Mathematics, Science, Business, Humanities, and the Arts. Senior students complete required credits, community service hours, and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test to earn the OSSD. Throughout all levels, English is the primary language of instruction, with additional support provided for English language learners. |
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Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio — | Student teacher ratio — |
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Exam results
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Exam results — | Exam results — |
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Higher education progression
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Higher education progression — | Higher education progression — |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented — | Gifted and talented — |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar | Academic calendar |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning CAIS integrates social and emotional development through its Pastoral and Advisory Care Team (PACT) programme in the secondary school. The published bell schedules show dedicated Community Time for primary students and Advisory Time for secondary students, which provide opportunities for relationship-building and personal development. Regular Chapel and Assembly sessions also contribute to students’ spiritual and emotional growth. Student Services include counselling support, though detailed SEL initiatives beyond these structures are not published. | Social & emotional learning DSC International School integrates social and emotional learning through its Well-Being Department, which includes counsellors, social workers, and support staff. The department provides individual and group counselling, transition support for new students, and parent workshops on emotional development. SEL is embedded across the curriculum through classroom discussions and activities focused on empathy, collaboration, and self-awareness. The school also runs the Wellness Studio, a space dedicated to mindfulness and emotional balance. These initiatives are coordinated by trained wellbeing professionals to promote healthy student relationships and emotional resilience. |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN) CAIS provides support for students with mild to moderate learning needs. Services are delivered by Learning Support teachers and assistants, who collaborate with classroom staff and families to help students participate in mainstream classes and access the Alberta curriculum. The school is clear that it is not a specialist SEN institution and does not publish provision for severe or complex needs. | Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides support for students with mild learning or social-emotional needs through its Learning Support Team, which includes ESL specialists, counsellors, social workers, healthcare professionals, and ICT educational specialists. The focus is on inclusion within mainstream classes, with adjustments and additional support where appropriate. DSC does not identify itself as a specialist SEN institution, and there is no public listing of specific SEN categories supported. The school emphasises collaboration between teachers and specialists to assist students’ academic and personal development. |
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English as an additional language
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English as an additional language CAIS has a structured English Language Learners (ELL) programme. The school publishes an ELL Policy outlining how students are assessed, supported, and monitored, with the goal of enabling them to succeed in the mainstream Alberta and IB programmes. Support is tailored to student needs, and placement decisions are reviewed periodically to ensure progress. | English as an additional language English as an Additional Language (EAL) DSC International School offers a structured English as a Second Language (ESL) Program for students who are new to English-medium education. The program is based on Ontario’s STEP assessment framework, evaluating students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency. Students in Grades 1–8 are placed into Level 1 or Level 2 ESL classes according to their English ability. Instruction focuses on helping students integrate into mainstream classes while developing academic English skills. This program is supported by qualified ESL teachers and is available until students achieve full English proficiency. |
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Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing CAIS Student Services include counselling for emotional and mental wellbeing, with support available to students who need guidance. The school also notes that referrals may be made to external professionals if required. Published information highlights the availability of pastoral structures and counselling but does not specify additional programmes or initiatives related to mental health. | Mental wellbeing The school’s Well-Being Team provides counselling, wellness workshops, and transition programs for students and families. The Wellness Studio hosts mindfulness sessions and small-group activities designed to support emotional balance and stress management. Regular workshops for parents and teachers address topics such as student anxiety, emotional regulation, and resilience. The team also includes social-emotional counsellors and social workers, ensuring coordinated care and guidance. |
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding The Student Services page at CAIS references child protection and safeguarding as part of its remit. While the website confirms that safeguarding policies are in place, detailed procedures and protocols are not published openly. | Safeguarding DSC International School states that it maintains safeguarding and child protection measures consistent with local regulations and its registration under the Hong Kong Education Bureau (EDB). Governance information identifies registered leadership with both the Ontario Ministry of Education and Hong Kong EDB, ensuring compliance with education and welfare standards. While the website references safeguarding within the Well-Being section, detailed child protection policies are not publicly disclosed. |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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Facilities overview The CAIS campus is a single, purpose-built learning community located in Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, West Kowloon. It comprises an Amenities Building, an Academic Building, an Aquatic Centre, and other specialized spaces, all connected to a central library and multiple learning areas. The Academic Building opened in 2017 and includes 70 classrooms, five science laboratories, two gymnasiums, a 200-seat lecture hall and a central whole-school library. The campus features a roof-top, FIFA-standard 7-a-side soccer pitch, a 611-seat Alliance Hall for performing arts, a ground-floor multi-purpose space, and a cafe-style courtyard. The Aquatic Centre houses a 25-meter, eight-lane pool with year-round water and air temperature control. The campus is located at 33 King Lam Street, Lai Chi Kok, and is about a five-minute walk from Lai Chi Kok MTR. | Facilities overview The school provides a K-12 educational journey from Pre-Grade 1 to Grade 12, with all grades located on the same Taikoo Shing campus. The Early Years Program is play- and inquiry-based to nurture curious and creative learners. The school offers three international language options—Chinese (Putonghua), Japanese, and French—with both first and second language levels available. The campus is located on Tai Fung Avenue in Taikoo Shing, a short walk from the Tai Koo MTR station, with bus service available. |
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Sports facilities
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Sports facilities A roof-top 7-a-side soccer pitch meets FIFA standards and uses artificial turf for outdoor play. The on-site gymnasiums include a basketball court and a rock-climbing area with an auto-belay system, with the fourth floor housing high-performance facilities for basketball coaching, judo, ballet and related activities. Alliance Hall is a purpose-built 611-seat venue with strong acoustics for performing arts such as orchestra, dance and choral work. A ground-floor multi-purpose space and other flexible learning areas support sports, movement, and informal gatherings across the campus. | Sports facilities The school maintains an athletics program with competitive varsity teams and is recognized as an Elite Athlete-friendly School by the Hong Kong Sports Institute. DSC athletes have won medals and championship banners in local and international tournaments. The program provides opportunities to develop athletic skills and compete at a high level. The HKSI recognition indicates formal support for elite student-athletes. |
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Academic facilities
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Academic facilities The Academic Building provides 70 classrooms, five science laboratories, two gymnasiums, a 200-seat lecture hall and a central library, along with nine multi-purpose areas and a fitness center. The building was opened in 2017 as part of CAIS's campus development. The campus sits at 33 King Lam Street, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong, and is within a short walk of Lai Chi Kok MTR and local amenities. | Academic facilities The Canadian Curriculum (Ontario) is the school's primary framework for K-12 education. The through-train program provides automatic progression from Elementary to Secondary. Graduates receive the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). The First Language Chinese program follows the National Curriculum designed by the People's Education Press in Beijing. International languages offered include Chinese, French, and Japanese starting from Pre-Grade 1. |
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Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities World Languages are taught in English followed by Chinese, French and Spanish. The Chinese Studies program includes activities such as Parent-Child Story Competition, Chinese Reading Month, Book Battle, Mid-Autumn Festival Lantern Riddles, Chinese Calligraphy Competition, Drama Performance, Chinese Fun Fair, Chinese Speech Festival and Chinese Debate Competition. Chinese Studies can prepare students for AP Chinese Language and Culture, Alberta Diploma requirements, and IB Group 2 options. French and Spanish are offered at beginner, intermediate and IB Ab Initio levels in secondary, with an aligned progression across grades 7–12. The World Languages program details a sequence from Preparatory Chinese Studies through Grade 12, including elective and IB pathways. Alliance Hall and the Music Floor support performing arts, with dedicated spaces for music and dance across the campus. | Extra curricular facilities DSC offers scholarships for Academic, Arts, and Athletic scholars, with monthly tuition waivers ranging from 25% to 80%. Open Day and Seminars are available for prospective families. The school emphasizes global pathways and university opportunities, with graduates gaining offers from top universities. The school promotes a multicultural environment with a diverse student body. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
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History
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History Christian Alliance International School (CAIS) was founded in 1992 by the Kowloon Tong Church of the Chinese Christian and Missionary Alliance (KTAC). It has grown steadily since its establishment, originally operating from earlier sites before moving to its purpose-built campus at Butterfly Valley, Lai Chi Kok. The new campus officially opened in August 2017, providing expanded facilities for academics, sports, and the arts. The school continues to operate as a non-profit institution under the ownership of KTAC. | History DSC International School, originally known as the Delia School of Canada, was founded in 1987 to provide a Canadian education pathway in Hong Kong. The school introduced the Ontario (Canada) curriculum and became officially registered with the Ontario Ministry of Education to grant the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Over the years, DSC has expanded its programs and facilities to accommodate students from Early Years through Grade 12. The school continues to operate as a privately managed institution, maintaining its educational affiliation with Ontario, Canada. |
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Community
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Community CAIS fosters community through events such as Parent Forums, Parent-Teacher Conferences, and cultural activities that bring together families, staff, and students. The school also convenes a School Council that includes parents, teachers, students, and community representatives. Student-led initiatives, including leadership roles through the Student Representative Council (SRC) and participation in service programmes, further strengthen the sense of shared community. | Community The DSC community includes students, parents, and staff representing many nationalities and backgrounds. The school regularly hosts cultural and community events, such as the Diwali Gala, sports tournaments, and arts showcases, which encourage family participation. Annual celebrations and theme days reflect the school’s emphasis on inclusivity and cultural appreciation. |
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Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association CAIS refers to its parent engagement structures through formal Parent Forums and a School Council rather than a traditional PTA. Parent Forums include presentations, school updates, and opportunities for families to meet leadership teams. The School Council serves as an advisory body, with parent representatives contributing to discussions on school development and policies. Parents are also involved in networking opportunities and community events, including academic information sessions and university and careers evenings. Through these channels, families maintain an active role in shaping and supporting the life of the school. | Parent teacher association DSC’s Parent Teacher Association supports the school by helping organize community events and family activities. Parents contribute to initiatives such as cultural celebrations, sports days, and charity fundraisers. The PTA collaborates closely with teachers and staff to strengthen communication between home and school. It also assists in welcoming new families to the school community and coordinating volunteer opportunities throughout the year. While specific committee details are not listed online, the PTA is acknowledged as an active part of the school’s community network. |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
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Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual The school is a through‑train international school in Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong, serving students aged 5 to 18 in preparatory, lower primary, upper primary and secondary sections. | Academic & intellectual DSC International School follows the Canadian curriculum with a through-train model for students aged 4 to 18. The school emphasizes coding, robotics, mathematics, and maker education as core strengths within an inclusive multicultural environment. Graduates have gained places at top universities worldwide, including institutions in Hong Kong, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, the United States, the European Union, and Australia. DSC International School was established in 1986 as the first Canadian school in Hong Kong. |
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Arts & creative
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Arts & creative — | Arts & creative DSC offers an Artistic Creators Program within the OSSD+ Signature Program. The Signature Program includes Masterclass seminars to deepen artistic practice. Nuit Noire Showcase provides a platform to present the arts and helps students build portfolios for arts-related university pathways. |
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Cultural & language
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Cultural & language — | Cultural & language DSC offers three international languages: Chinese (Putonghua), French, and Japanese. In Grades 1 to 3, students have a 40-minute international language lesson daily; Early Years and Grades 4 to 8 have four 40-minute language lessons per week. In Secondary, French is offered as a second language, while Japanese is available as first and second language; Putonghua has first and second language programs. All students must take at least one second language course to fulfill graduation requirements. |
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Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies — | Social & hobbies DSC provides athletics and extracurricular activities; DSC Athletics has earned medals and championship banners in local and international tournaments. Students participate in a range of clubs and activities as part of school life. Experiential learning opportunities, such as real-world experiences, support social development and hobby engagement. |
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Community & service
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Community & service — | Community & service The OSSD+ Signature Program includes 100 community hours, completed locally and internationally. Career Integrated Learning provides 220 hours of work experience in a field related to the student's specialization. The program recognizes service and leadership with a Duke of Edinburgh Award and offers Masterclass seminars to support community engagement and leadership development. |
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Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional — | Leadership & professional OSSD+ Signature Program offers six streams for leadership and professional pathways: Athletic Scholars, Artistic Creators, Business Leaders, Engineering Designers, Global Influencers, and Scientific Innovators. Career Integrated Learning provides work placements and real-world experience. Students develop a professional portfolio and participate in Masterclass seminars to enhance workplace readiness and leadership capacity. |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing — | Lifestyle & wellbeing DSC promotes a balanced education that develops social, emotional, intellectual, and physical intelligence. All grades are located on the same campus, creating continuity and a sense of community. Athletics and a Health Team provide physical well-being support, and experiential learning experiences contribute to holistic development. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
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Language provision
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Language provision The medium of instruction is English, and CAIS offers Chinese, French and Spanish as world languages. Chinese Studies is mandatory for Preparatory to Grade 6; Grades 7-9 may continue Chinese Studies or study French or Spanish. In Grades 10-12, Chinese Studies, French and Spanish are electives with pathways to the Alberta Diploma or the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Traditional script is taught in native/near-native classes, while Simplified script is used in non-native classes. | Language provision DSC offers three international languages: Chinese (Putonghua), French, and Japanese. English is the primary medium of instruction, and Chinese Putonghua is used as a medium for the Chinese program. In Elementary, International Languages are taught as part of the timetable: Grade 1–3 have daily 40-minute lessons, and Early Years through Grade 8 have four 40-minute lessons per week. In Secondary, French is offered in Grade 9, while Japanese and Putonghua have three courses each, and all students must take at least one second language to meet graduation requirements; the Chinese program includes First Language Chinese (Grades 1–8, following the national curriculum by the People's Education Press) and Second Language Chinese (Early Years–Grade 8), with Putonghua credit courses (Levels 1–3) in Grades 9–12 and external examinations available. |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching — | Bilingual teaching — |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs — | Immersion programs — |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
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Awards
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Awards The school’s website does not list any institutional awards received. | Awards The school’s website does not list any institutional awards received. |
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Accreditations
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Accreditations Alberta Education (Canada): CAIS is accredited by Alberta Education to deliver the Alberta curriculum and award the Alberta High School Diploma. This means the school is regularly inspected and meets Alberta’s standards for teaching, learning, and assessment. International Baccalaureate (IB) World School: CAIS is authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11–12. This indicates that the school follows IB standards and can prepare students for the internationally recognized IB Diploma. | Accreditations Ontario Ministry of Education (Canada) – DSC International School is officially registered as a private school with the Ontario Ministry of Education (School No. 879037). This accreditation authorizes the school to deliver the Ontario curriculum and grant the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Hong Kong Education Bureau (EDB) – The school is registered with the Hong Kong Education Bureau (School No. 215791) to operate legally as an international school offering primary and secondary education within Hong Kong. |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
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Admissions
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Admissions 1. Application Submission Families begin by completing the online application form and mailing the printed form, required supporting documents, and the application fee cheque to the Admissions Office. The fee is HKD 1,500 for Preparatory–Grade 3 and HKD 1,800 for Grades 4–12, and it is non-refundable. Cash is not accepted, and all cheques must be payable to the school. 2. Assessment and Interview Applicants are invited for an admissions assessment if a place is available. The assessment length varies by grade level: about 1 hour for Preparatory–Grade 3, 2.5 hours for Grades 4–6, and 3 hours for Grades 7–12. Parents may also be interviewed, and additional documents, such as a Student Reference Form, are required for secondary applicants. 3. Admissions Decision Families are informed of the result within 30 days of the assessment. If a place is available and the student meets requirements, an offer of admission is extended. If not, but the student is eligible, they may be placed in the Wait Pool. 4. Enrollment Confirmation A student’s place is confirmed once the family pays the required Individual Capital Note (ICN or Annual Capital Levy (ACL by the deadline. A reservation fee equal to one month’s tuition is also due and will be credited against the first tuition installment. | Admissions 1. Initial Enquiry and School Tour Families are encouraged to begin by submitting an enquiry form or arranging a school tour or virtual consultation through the Admissions Office. During the visit, parents can learn about the Ontario curriculum, facilities, and student life. Admissions staff guide families through the documentation requirements and timelines for application submission. 2. Application Submission Parents complete the online Application Form and submit supporting documents, including academic reports, identification, and recommendation letters where required. A non-refundable application fee is payable upon submission. Once received, the Admissions Office acknowledges the application and begins the review process within approximately one week. 3. Interview and Assessment Applicants are invited for an interview and English proficiency assessment. The session usually lasts 30–90 minutes and includes a conversation about the school’s philosophy, curriculum, and student expectations. Students complete an English assessment covering oral, reading, and writing skills; however, proficiency does not determine admission outcomes due to the availability of the ESL Program for additional language support. 4. Offer and Orientation Successful applicants receive an official offer of admission with details about tuition, deposits, and start dates. Once confirmed, students and families attend an orientation session, and students in Grades 9–12 meet with the Guidance and Pathways Team to plan course selections and academic goals before classes begin. |
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Scholarships
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Scholarships CAIS offers scholarships specifically for students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). These scholarships ensure that all IBDP students pay the same tuition as Alberta curriculum students, rather than the higher IBDP fee. This effectively reduces the cost of the IB pathway and makes it financially aligned with the school’s other senior programmes. | Scholarships DSC International School maintains a Scholarships page under its Admissions section. While it confirms that scholarships are available to eligible students, specific details such as eligibility criteria, application process, and award value are not publicly disclosed. Families are directed to contact the Admissions Office for up-to-date information regarding available scholarship programs. |
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Waitlist
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Waitlist CAIS operates a Wait Pool system. Qualified applicants who have passed assessments but for whom no immediate space is available are placed into the Wait Pool. This placement is valid for one academic year, and families are contacted if a suitable place becomes available. Students in the Wait Pool are not guaranteed admission, but being placed there indicates they are eligible should space open. | Waitlist The school’s website does not mention a formal waitlist or pool system. |
| View full profile → | View full profile → | |
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